Untitled design (1)
Back to overview December 18, 2015

How to decorate with red

Feeling like your interiors are a bit 'meh'? Using red in your interior design scheme brings in passion and a touch of drama. How can you achieve the look you’re going for? That’s what today’s post is all about!

Red interiors just work

Red is a bold statement colour that works like oxygen in a room, conjuring up a warm and inviting atmosphere out of nowhere. From spectacular scarlet to beautiful burgundy, fabrics in red hues will bring an enveloping intimacy to any interior decor, from cruise ships to hotels to even healthcare settings.

Glamourous red velvet

Don’t be afraid to go bold: just go for it. Uncompromising red sofas are irresistible, don’t you think? Think strawberry or even tomato red, and you won’t ever look back.

How to decorate with red
"Tsar" design

Seeing red: sometimes it's great to not play safe

If you don’t want to go full-on monochromatic red, look at your accent colour palette instead. From upholstery to curtains and pillows, walking into a room with even just a few red details will always add some unexpected glamour to the day.

"Red is the great clarifier - bright and revealing. I can't imagine becoming bored with red - it would be like becoming bored with the person you love" - Diane Vreeland

Red as an accent colour works wonders in both dark and light colour schemes. Combine rich ruby and crimson with dark furniture and the room instantly feels sophisticated and chic, while personal touches of red on a white backdrop make the room more vibrant.

Red as a pop of colour is delicious if you don't want to go all over 'paint the town' crazy with red

Cherry red mixes seamlessly with orange and yellow, while white with blue and red will give you that summery Mediterranean feeling. 

Red is for always, not just for Chrismas

 If you want to tone down the hit of red that you’re going for, work in complementary colours (the complement here is green, and you don't have to go for primary Christmas green either if you don't want to).

According to colour psychology, different colour temperatures evoke different feelings. For example, warm colours are said to bring to mind cosiness and energy, while cool colours are associated with serenity and isolation.

We say: why not use both? Mix and match cool and warm tones to achieve the right note.

Get more inspiration for decorating with red from our Shades of Red Pinterest board

Velutti collection
Velutti collection
Velutti collection